The Rochester Americans are seeking revenge against their closest geographic rival, as the Syracuse Crunch were responsible for their early exit in the Calder Cup Playoffs one year ago. The two clubs opened their AHL North Division first-round series on Friday, and after falling behind 2-0 in the second period, the Amerks quickly erased the deficit and held on for a 3-2 victory at Blue Cross Arena.
Kale Clague scored the game winner just under four minutes into the third period and Rochester held on to take Game 1 of the best-of-five series. Former Sabre Conor Sheary and Dylan Duke put the Crunch up by a pair in the middle frame, but the Amerks got on the scoreboard just under a minute later on a goal from Brendan Warren. Riley Fiddler-Schultz tied the game and helped set up Clague for the difference maker.
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Devon Levi made 25 saves for the win, but the Amerks did not get any contribution from the four players who were sent down by the parent Buffalo Sabres at the end of the season last week. Winger Isak Rosen, centers Jiri Kulich, Noah Ostlund, and Tyson Kozak had a combined eight shots on goal in the contest, but 2024 first-round pick Konsta Helenius did set up Fiddler-Schultz for his tying marker.
The two clubs will play on Sunday afternoon before the series shifts to Syracuse for Games 3 and 4 (if necessary) on Thursday and Saturday.
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